Is Autism in Children Associated with Previous Infection?

The rate of autism spectrum disorders was slightly increased among children who had previously been hospitalized for infectious — or noninfectious — causes.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a cluster of childhood neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. The cause of ASDs is unknown, but some researchers have suggested an association with infection early in life. To examine this possibility, investigators performed a retrospective analysis involving children born in Denmark from 1980 through 2002. Data were taken from national birth, psychiatric, and hospitalization registries.

A total of 1,418,152 children were born during the study period; ASDs were subsequently diagnosed in 7379, including 1992 with infantile autism. Rates of ASD and of infantile autism were not significantly increased am…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Is Autism in Children Associated with Previous Infection?

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Reviewing Author